Introduction to Natural Dye

Ages: 18+
Term: Spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

On this 10-week course you'll explore the creative potential of natural dyes within fashion and textiles.

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About this course

This new course has been developed for individuals who wish to explore the techniques and creative potential of using natural dyes in fashion and textiles. This course offers a hands-on, immersive introduction to dyeing with plant-based and other sustainable materials, helping participants gain insight into both traditional and contemporary natural dye methods.

This is a perfect introductory course for anyone who has an interest in sustainable fashion, textile design, or eco-conscious making. Join us to reconnect with ancient processes, transform raw materials into vibrant creations, and build confidence in your design skills through natural colour!

Taught by specialist senior technician Sarah Thorne in Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)'s dye room and textiles labs, you'll be guided through this highly practical course. Learn how to extract colour from nature, apply it to various fibres and fabrics, and explore creative approaches to patterning and surface design.

A comprehensive introduction to natural dyeing techniques using plant-based and mineral sources.
Exploration of materials and fibres suitable for natural dyeing (cotton, silk, wool, linen, etc.)
Hands-on dye extraction and preparation, including mordanting and fabric preparation.
Techniques such as bundle dyeing, shibori, resist dyeing, and dip dyeing.
Insight into foraging, sourcing, and sustainability in natural dye practices.
Introduction to colour theory and how it applies to natural pigments.
Experimental sessions with layering, over-dyeing, and botanical printing.

At the end of the course you'll:

Understand and be able to apply core natural dyeing techniques to a range of fabrics.
Be able to identify appropriate fibres, mordants, and dye materials for different effects.
Be able to produce a series of test samples demonstrating various dye methods and colour outcomes.
Be able to develop and complete a final natural dye project, such as a scarf, textile panel, or garment sample.
Be able to document processes for reproducibility and creative development.
Have gained practical knowledge that supports a more sustainable and conscious approach to textiles design.

Will I be assessed?

Assessment will be continuous throughout the course, with feedback provided during studio sessions.

Each class will conclude with a group share and discussion of the work produced, offering an opportunity to reflect, learn from peers, and inspire one another.

Students can request a Certificate of Attendance if 100% attendance has been achieved by the end of the course. To request a certificate, please email academy@aub.ac.uk with student name and course completed

Meet your tutor

The symbol of a smiley face on a plain yellow background

Sarah Thorne

Technician Demonstrator – School of Design and Architecture...

What you need to know

Spring term 2026

12 January – 16 March 2026 (10 Monday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£359

Any additional costs 

You may need to bring in your own fabric/garments, but this will be discussed during your first session. All additional course materials are included in the course fee.

Sketch book/notebook
Pencil
Closed-toe footwear

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

A flower and a pair of sunglasses rest on a pair of boxes. A stiletto heel shoe and a handbag are sitting in front of another box. The other stiletto heel shoe is on top of one of the boxes.

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Course gallery

Various leaves and plant specimens in green, pink, purple, and orange colours scattered on white surface with small container of yellow liquid.

Pressed leaves arranged on white fabric - deep burgundy and bright green leaves with visible veining and serrated edges.

Colourful flowers including pink peonies, purple and yellow pansies with green leaves arranged on white surface beside bamboo canes.

Bowl containing wet autumn flowers and leaves in brown, orange, pink and yellow tones, with water creating reflective surface.

Teal velvet cushion with central cream panel featuring gold embroidered dandelion seed heads and scattered sequins or beads.

Close-up of a pleat of fabric with brown, white, pink and purple spotted pattern.

Woman wearing sleeveless tie-dye top in pink, orange and yellow tones with high neckline, paired with mustard yellow trousers.

Wooden sticks wrapped with purple fabric strips and loose purple textile pieces arranged vertically on white background.

Embroidered purple fabric with white shell-shaped appliqués outlined in gold thread and decorative beading.

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your textile and print skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.